Patriots 2019 mock draft roundup: Tom Brady's successor in Round 1?

By Nick Goss

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Dan Kadar, SB Nation: Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State

Jeffery Simmons might have been an early first-round pick if not for a torn ACL suffered in February. The Patriots need immediate help on the defensive line after the free-agent departures of Malcom Brown and Trey Flowers, but Simmons will almost certainly be the most talented defensive lineman at this stage of the first round, assuming he falls to pick No. 32.

Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina

Deebo Samuel set career highs last season with 62 receptions for 882 yards and 11 touchdowns. He would be a nice upgrade to the Patriots' depth chart at wide receiver following the departures of Cordarrelle Patterson and Chris Hogan in NFL free agency.

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: Daniel Jones, QB, Duke

Quarterback is not the Patriots' primary need entering the draft, but Daniel Jones is one of the best quarterbacks in the 2019 class. Jones completed 60.5 percent of his passes for 2,674 yards, 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions for the Blue Devils in 2018.

Adam Rank, NFL.com: Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama

The Patriots probably would prefer to replace Rob Gronkowski with Iowa tight ends Noah Fant or T.J. Hockenson, but it would be surprising if either player is still on the board at the end of the first round. The best options at No. 32 likely will be Irv Smith Jr. of Alabama and Jace Sternberger of Texas A&M. Smith tallied 44 receptions for 710 yards and seven touchdowns for the Crimson Tide last season.

Patrick Finley, Chicago Sun-Times: Will Grier, QB, West Virginia

Will Grier is another one of the top quarterbacks in the 2019 class after a strong 2018 campaign at West Virginia. He completed 67 percent of his passes for 3,864 yards, 37 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season. The Patriots might be able to get Grier in the second round, or trade this pick to a team desperate to take Grier. New England doesn't really need a quarterback at No. 32 when the tight end and defensive line positions need more depth/talent.

Charlie Casserly, NFL.com: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

The Patriots taking Drew Lock at No. 32 would be the surprise of the draft. There should be better quarterbacks than the Missouri starter available at the end of Round 1. Lock completed 62.9 percent of his passes for 3,498 yards with 28 touchdowns and eight interceptions.